Upgradeable Automation Devices, Systems, Architectures, and Methods

ABSTRACT

A multi-level automation control architecture, methods, and systems are disclosed, which provide enhanced scalability, functionality, and cost effectiveness for energy, access, and control. The systems include various combinations of automation controllers, remote controllers and peripheral devices that are used to provide monitoring and control functionality over the various systems in a structure, such as HVAC, water, lighting, etc. In various embodiments, the automation controller and various peripheral devices are implemented to provide an integrated energy management system for the structure. The system allows the user to manage energy based on the day, time, the presence of people, and the availability of natural lighting and heating, as well as prioritize and participate in demand-response program. The system can be implemented using a remote controller and expanded through the addition of automation controllers, remote controllers, and peripheral devices to enable the system to be tailored to specific user requirements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/886,918 filed Jan. 26, 2007 and is related to U.S.patent application entitled “Upgradeable Automation Devices, Systems,Architectures, and Methods for Energy Management” filed on even dateherewith having attorney docket number 20070126B.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to automation systems and,more specifically, to automation systems to monitor and controlconditions in and/or around buildings and the operation of energysystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automation of the work and leisure environment has been a concept thathas been long pursued. Despite the continued pursuit, widespreadautomation, particularly in the home, has not gone much beyond the useof timers, programmable thermostats, and universal remote controls foraudio and video equipment.

In the home, higher levels of automation have been left to the domain ofthe hobbyist and high net worth individuals. A major reason being thathome automation systems tend to be difficult to implement and maintainand/or extremely expensive relative to the utility and benefits of thesystem. Also, the solutions tend to be one size fits all, where thebenefits associated with the systems are realized with large systemdeployments, irrespective of whether a person wants to automate anindividual socket, a room, or an entire facility.

X10 has been the most widely implemented protocol in the home automationindustry. X10 is a low-speed, unidirectional PowerLineCommunication/Carrier (PLC) solution that uses a home electrical powerwiring to communicate with various devices that control the variousfunctions in the home, such as light switches, wall receptacles,thermostats, etc. Common criticisms of X10 are directed toward itsreliability and robustness, as well as the level of user-friendliness.As such, these systems have been left to hobbyist and those peoplewilling to pay professional contractors to install and/or maintain thesystems. Other PLC protocols have been developed to address thecriticisms of X10, which have enhanced performance and user experience,but have not substantially broadened the market for these products.

The high-end of the residential market has typically been addressed bycomprehensive and expensive stand-alone systems, which often require theuse of professional services firms to install and possibly maintain thesystem. These systems can be integrated with other systems, such assecurity and intercom systems, to defray the cost of system ownership.In addition to the price of the comprehensive system, the cost andinconvenience associated with providing an infrastructure to supportthese systems in existing structures has further constrained the market.

The emergence of wireless communication technology and digital media hasreinvigorated the automation market, particularly the home market. Newwireless protocols and standards are being developed and adopted tosupport wireless automation systems. The wireless systems are notconstrained by power lines and do not require expensive wiring to buildout a separate communication network or retrofit an existing structure.

Currently, there are two emerging protocols being introduced in the1^(st) generation of standard wireless automation products, namelyZigbee and Z-Wave. Both protocols attempt to provide a wirelessnetworking standard that supports low data rates, low power consumption,security and reliability. Zigbee is open standard based on IEEE802.15.4, while Z-Wave is a proprietary standard developed by Zensys,Inc., the current sole source for the chips that implement the protocol.

Many of the high-end automation system vendors have developed mediacenter systems for the distribution and control of audio and videosignals throughout the structure, which also include some homeautomation functionality. The media center provides control over variousautomation devices deployed in the structure and typically be accessedlocally by a computer or remotely via the Internet. A universal remotecontrol is typically provided, which communicates with the media center,which, in turn, communicates with the audio, video, and automationdevices.

Other products employ a gateway controller that is controlled from aremote network operations center (“NOC”) via a network connection intothe structure. The gateway controller controls devices in the structurebased on information provided by the NOC and provide status informationto the NOC. A remote control is provided to allow for control of theindividual automation devices without having to reprogram the devicethrough the NOC.

Outside the home in non-residential settings, whether it is for ornon-profit, academic, governmental, social, etc., owners and tenantsface challenges similar to those in the residential market.Non-residential energy consumers can employ highly sophisticated systemsfor controlling their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(“HVAC”), as well as for access control and information technology.Otherwise, these consumers are also generally limited to the use ofprogrammable thermostats and motion controlled lighting.

As such, most energy consumers have little visibility into their energyconsumption patterns. The lack of visibility makes it difficult tomodify or tailor consumption patterns to reduce the energy consumed orthe cost of the energy being consumed. Furthermore, participation inutility based conservation programs, such as demand-response programs,is typically limited to those residential and non-residential facilitiesthat can operate with periodic interruptions of their air conditioningsystems.

Improved automation solutions are required that overcome the variouslimitations associated with prior art solutions to enable high quality,cost effective, and scalable automation solutions for homes andbusinesses that can applied by the end users to their particularautomation needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, among other things, a scalableautomation system that can be deployed as one or more independentsystems at various times, which can later be consolidated and operatedby a centralized automation controller either as independent systems oras one consolidated system. Unlike the prior art, the automation systemof the present invention implements a hierarchical approach to thecontrol platform that provides the end users with a wide range ofimplementation schemes allowing systems embodying the present inventionto be tailored to the specific application and purpose of the user. Thepresent invention can be implemented using various wirelinecommunication platforms, e.g., powerline, twisted pair, coax, and fiber,and protocols, as well as wireless technologies employing Zigbee,Z-wave, Bluetooth, and/or other proprietary and/or open standard, e.g.,IEEE 802.x, communication protocols.

In the present invention, automation components generally can be groupedinto three different types, automation controller, remote controller,and peripheral, or controlled, device (or “peripherals”), which havedifferent roles in the system, such as master or command (command afunction be performed), slave or function (perform a function), and peer(master or slave depending on function). Notably, in the presentinvention, different component types can provide command functionality,as well as perform multiple roles at one time or different times, whichprovides significant benefits from an implementation standpoint, as willbe discussed herein. Generally, the automation and remote controllersare peers from at least an interface perspective. The controllers aregenerally masters of the peripherals, making the peripherals slaves tothe controllers, and the peripherals are generally peers to otherperipherals.

Peripheral devices in the present invention are generally implemented ina function role communicating directly with remote controllers and/orautomation controllers depending upon the system configuration andresponding to their commands to perform a function, which may includeone or more steps, process, and/or actions. For example, in the absenceof an automation controller, the remote controller will be used tocommunicate directly with and control peripheral devices. Commonperipheral devices include electrical wall and device receptacles andjacks, on/off, contact, and dimmer switches, visual (e.g., motion),audio, material (smoke, humidity, CO₂, etc.), electromagnetic wave (RF,IR, UV, etc.), and thermal sensors, thermostats, video equipment (e.g.,cameras), audio equipment (e.g., microphones, speakers), computer andother office equipment and peripherals, etc.

Automation controllers are generally command components. While in manyembodiments the automation controller may only serve in a command role,various configurations could implement automation controllers with in afunction role, in lieu of, or in addition to the command role. Forexample, while in most applications it would be expected that theautomation controller would be capable of controlling all of theperipheral devices in the system; it may be desirable to incorporatemultiple automation controllers into the system to provide additionalfunctionality at various points in the building that is being automated.Also, if the automation controller includes web browsing capability,video signal reception, communication equipment hook-up, etc., it may bedesirable to have an automation controller deployed at a number oflocations within the building, in lieu of a computer and a traditionaltelevision set top box. It may, in turn, be desirable to control all ofthe automation controllers from one or more centralized automationcontrollers.

Remote controllers in the present invention can serve as command orfunction components assuming a master, slave, or peer role dependingupon the system configuration and functionality. For example, in variousembodiments, the system will be installed with only a remote controllerand one or more peripheral devices. In these embodiments, the remotecontroller will provide command authority and control over the operationof the peripheral devices. In various embodiments, when an automationcontroller is introduced into a system having only peripheral devicescontrolled by a remote controller, the automation controller may assumecommand authority over some or all of the peripheral devices, with theremote controller assuming a command role with respect to the automationcontroller for those peripheral devices that were assumed.

It will be appreciated that different types of remote controllers can beemployed in the present invention. For example, one type of remotecontroller may be able to provide command and/or slave functionality,while a second type of remote control may be able to serve solely tosend commands to the automation controller, e.g., a standard remotecontrol. It will be further appreciated that the different types ofremote controllers may enable different levels of functionality andfeedback to the user.

In addition, the remote controller can incorporate functionality thatallows it to operate in multiple systems. For example, either type ofremote controller can also serve as a “universal remote” controllingdevices other than the automation peripheral devices. For example, theremote controller may be a master and/or peer in a home automationsystem communicating using the Zigbee and/or Z-wave protocols or otheropen or proprietary standard protocols with automation controllersand/or peripheral devices, while also supporting infrared (IR) or radiofrequency (RF) signal transmission for line of sight (LOS) and/ornon-line of sight (NLOS) control of audio and/or video equipment, suchas TVs, DVD and CD players/recorders, DVRs, PVRs, and VCRs.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the system may be inoperation without an automation controller using the remote controllerto control a plurality of peripheral devices. In these embodiments, theremote controller recognizes that there is not an associated automationcontroller, so it operates in the first state, directly communicatingwith and controlling the peripheral devices. When the end user of thesystem introduces an automation controller into the system, the remotecontroller recognizes the automation controller and operates in a secondstate communicating with the automation controller, instead of directlywith the peripheral devices. If the associated automation controllerbecomes unassociated with the remote controller, then the remotecontroller will revert to the first state and control the peripheraldevices directly.

The automation controller and a remote controller can provide differentlevels of control and functionality to the system. The remotecontroller, for example, may generally be able to control the on/off/dimstate of a limited number of peripheral devices and provide some levelof feedback, which will depend upon the type of remote controller, e.g.,whether or not it has a display. In an exemplary embodiment, the remotecontroller does not have a display, but depicts the on/off/dim state ofthe peripheral device by lighting the key associated with that device.Alternatively, display remotes, remote monitors, or touch pads canprovide individual device status displays or a device list that can bescrolled. The displays and touch pad can be integrated in the remotecontroller or separate components that communicate with the remotecontroller directly or indirectly. The remote controller may beconfigured to provide device status, irrespective of whether it providesdirect or indirect control of a peripheral device.

In various embodiments, the system is operated using only the automationcontroller and the peripherals without a remote controller. In theseembodiments, the automation controller will be accessible via one ormore interfaces. For example, a display and data entry facility provideddirectly on the controller, a television or other monitor can be usedfor display with data entry on the controller or via an external device,such as a keyboard, etc. Other devices, such as computers, can be usedto access the automation controller for the purposes of data access andinput. Other computers can be configured in a client-server architecturewith the controller for data access and entry. Alternatively, thecontroller functionality could be distributed among multiple controllersas discussed above.

Additional devices can be employed to provide additional functionalityor robustness to the system. For example, storage devices could beemployed to off-load data collected by the automation controller. Accessto the storage devices could be achieved via the automation controlleror directly by another computer, which can provide analysis capabilityoff-line from the automation controller.

The automation controller can provide enhanced functionality concerningthe automation system, such as Internet connectivity, remote monitoring(i.e., any computer, anywhere monitoring, advanced scheduling forperipheral devices (turn on different lights on different days of theweek for security purposes), periodic and continual monitoring ofperipheral devices (confirm children's light and TV are off), eventcorrelation from peripheral device feedback (turn off lights if no onein the room for five minutes), peripheral device fault information(e.g., a light bulb burns out, so there is no current flow irrespectiveof the state of the peripheral device), event notification (e.g., email,text message, audible or visible signal, or electronically generatedphone call, etc.), access control and monitoring to one or more partiesconcerning a detected event.

The automation controller can also provide additional functionalitybeyond the automation system. For example, it can provide a webinterface for browsing or a control system for communication equipmentused to provide services, such as plain old telephone service (POTS),voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video, audio, and data. Inembodiments with sufficient computing and storage capacity, varioussoftware applications can be run and/or files can be stored and sentto/from the automation controller. Video applications can be included,such as video recording, audio/video broadcast or stream reception andcodec functions. It could also provide modem, router, and/or switchcapabilities, if desired.

Furthermore, the automation controller can be in a housing that includesone or more peripheral devices. For example, the automation controllerhousing can include one or more controlled electrical receptacles. Giventhat the automation controller will often times be located proximateother electrical equipment that can be controlled, the inclusion ofperipheral devices within the automation controller housing provides acost effective and space efficient solution. Communication between theautomation controller and the peripheral devices within the housingprobably is most cost effectively implemented via circuitry internal tothe housing; however, the peripheral devices could employ a transceiverand communicate in the same manner as other peripheral devices.

In addition, there does not necessarily need to be a one-to-onecorrespondence between the number of peripheral device transceivers forcommunicating with the controllers and the number of electrical devicesbeing controlled. For example, electrical wall outlets typically havetwo receptacles per outlet. In the prior art, each receptacle isconsidered a different controlled device. In the present invention, thewall outlet can be considered one peripheral device with each receptaclebeing a sub-device. Both receptacles communicate with the controller viaa common transceiver. One of ordinary skill can expand this concept, forexample, to provide a multi-receptacle, plug strip that shares acommunication path (transceiver) to/from the controller.

Similar to the remote controller, the automation controller can employintegrated or external display capability. For example, the automationcontroller can be configured to display information on one or moretelevision screens and/or computer monitors. Conversely, the automationcontroller may have an integrated display, which may or may not be atouch screen.

In various embodiments, the system includes both stationary and mobileperipheral devices. The mobile devices can be used for security andsafety purposes, such as theft prevention and tracking the location ofchildren and disabled adults, as well as pets and objects. The systemdetects the location of the mobile device periodically and/or on-demandand can employ information concerning the mobile device provided bystationary devices.

Also, the peripheral devices can be configured to communicate with othersystems. For example, a peripheral device, such as a plug strip/surgeprotector, may include communication capability with a computer via USBcable or other connection. In these embodiments, the peripheral devicecould send a system message to the computer that power was going to beinterrupted and for the computer to perform a graceful shutdown. Itcould also send a signal that initiates the booting up of the computer.

Embodiments of the present invention also may include a limited purposeremote controller (“LPRC”), which can be a wall mounted, free-standing,or handheld device. The LPRC can be embodied as a configurable on-off ordimmer switch that can be used to control one or more peripheral devicesdirectly and/or via the automation controller or the remote controller.For example, the LPRC can be configured to control one light or oneelectrical receptacle in a room similar to a traditional light switch.Alternatively, the LPRC may be configured to control a group of lightsand/or other peripheral devices. The LPRC is reconfigurable, such thatthe automation instruction created by the LPRC upon actuation can bevaried as desired by the user. For example, the lighting configurationcan be varied, if a room is rearranged and audio and video componentscan be added and subtracted from the control of the LPRC as desired.

The automation system can be deployed over a wide range of applicationsfrom providing basic automation and control functionality withindividual peripherals in the home or workplace to orchestrating theoperation of the peripherals to provide comprehensive energy,automation, and access management solution.

In various embodiments, the automation system will perform integratedenergy management of part or all of a facility. For example, a user in abusiness setting may establish a multi-level energy managementstructure. At a first level, the user establishes day and time of daysettings for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”)equipment/units and systems. Typically, this will involve setting afirst temperature range for hours of operation and a second temperaturerange for hours of non-operation.

A second level of control may be implemented at the work space andcommon area level. For example, the temperature of a work space may becontrolled depending upon whether or not a person is present at thefacility or whether a meeting is scheduled or people are present in aworkspace, such as a conference room.

The concept of controlling the temperature depending upon the presenceof a person at the home or work place can be exceeded more generally to“just in time” energy management. In various embodiments, the automationcontroller provides access control and/or monitoring or interacts withan access control/monitor system and a person's work space or part of aresidence is not supplied electricity unless the person is present. Upondetection of a person entering a facility, the automation controllerwould turn on the supply of power to a person's work space and adjustthe temperature of the work space accordingly. In various embodiments,the automation controller could begin powering up computer equipment andperipherals, so the equipment is ready to use when a person's reachestheir work space. When a person leaves a work space, the automation candirect the return of the work space to its non-operational set points.

At another level, the automation controller can coordinate the differentenergy management activities within a facility and/or work space. Forexample, a work space environment will be defined at least in part bythe temperature and lighting intensity. The automation controller can beconfigured to balance the solar impact, i.e., light and heat provided bysunlight, within an area with the light and heating/cooling provided bythe building systems to minimize the energy cost and/or consumption. Inthis case, the automation controller could control various lights, HVACvents and/or units, and window blinds in a coordinated manner to reduceenergy consumption. Alternatively, the automation controller couldinteract with an area controller that could be coordinating theperipherals within an area. For example, the area controller couldinclude or be associated with various sensors, such as temperature,light intensity, and motion, in the area, which provide localinformation used to control the area environment.

The present invention addresses limitations of the prior art as willbecome apparent from the specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings are included for the purpose of exemplaryillustration of various aspects of the present invention, and not forpurposes of limiting the invention, wherein:

FIGS. 1-5 b show embodiments of automation systems;

FIGS. 6 a-7 show embodiments of automation controller;

FIGS. 8 a-9 b show embodiments of peripheral devices;

FIGS. 10 a-b show embodiments of a system including at least one mobileperipheral device and,

FIGS. 11-16 show embodiments of LPRCs.

It will be appreciated that the implementations, features, etc.described with respect to embodiments in specific figures may beimplemented with respect to other embodiments in other figures, unlessexpressly stated, or otherwise not possible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts an automation system 10 embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 10 includes various components, such as anautomation controller 12, a remote controller 14, and one or moreperipheral devices 16 _(1-n). In this embodiment, the automationcontroller 12 has two way communications with the peripheral device 16(as shown by the solid arrows). It also has at least one waycommunication with the remote controller 14, and, optionally two waycommunications with the remote controller 14 (as indicated by the dashedarrows). In addition, the remote controller 14 can have optional one ortwo way communications with one or more of the peripheral devices 16_(1-n)

Communication between the automation controller 12 and the peripheraldevices 16 can be wired and/or wireless depending upon the particularimplementation. Wired communication can make use of the power lines,local area networks, or direct links between communication ports, suchas USB, RS-232 and 485, etc. Wireless communications can employ one ormore wireless technologies, such as Zigbee, Z-wave, Bluetooth, and/orother proprietary and/or open standard, e.g., IEEE 802.x, communicationprotocols transmitting signals in the infrared and/or radio frequencyspectrum. As mentioned above, Zigbee and Z-wave are protocols that havebeen developed specifically for applications, such as automation, wheresome of the devices used in the system, such as those operating onbattery power, may require low power, reliable, non-line of sightcommunication.

In embodiments such as FIG. 1, the automation controller 12 may serve asa peer or slave to the remote controller 14 depending upon the desiredlevel of functionality and communication between the controllers. Forexample, when one way communication is provided from the remotecontroller 14, the automation controller 12 will act only as a slaveperforming an operation in response to a command/input from the remotecontroller 14. In embodiments providing for two way communication, thecontrollers may serve as peers or as a master and slave depending uponthe configuration of the system 10. For example, if the onlycommunication from the automation controller 12 to the remote controller14 is to send information requested by remote controller 14, then theautomation controller 12 will operate as a slave to the command/inputsent by the user via the remote controller 14. Conversely, if theautomation controller 12 can request/command certain actions be taken bythe remote controller 14, such as report a status, then the controllerswill most likely be operating in a peer relationship.

Embodiments based on FIG. 1 may include one or two way communicationbetween the remote controller 14 and one or more of the peripheraldevices 16. The remote to peripheral communication can provide primary,secondary, or alternate communications. For example, the remotecontroller 14 may be configured merely to serve as a repeater, and thusa peer to peripheral devices 16, for communications between theautomation controller 12 and the peripheral devices 16. The remotecontroller 14 may send a command to the peripheral device 16 that isredundant of command sent by the automation controller 12.

Also, the remote controller 14 may send the only command to theperipheral device 16. In this instance, the automation controller 12 maybe configured to receive this command from the remote controller 14 orthe remote controller 14 may send a different command, such as a genericchange of state command to the automation controller 12. Upon receipt ofa command directed to a peripheral device by the remote controller 14,the automation controller 12 could 1) query the peripheral devices 16immediately or at a predetermined time to determine its operationalstate or 2) await a communication from the peripheral devices 16directly, and/or indirectly via the remote controller 14, indicatingtheir state.

FIG. 2 shows embodiments of the system 10 including the automationcontroller 12, at least one remote controller 14, a first group of oneor more peripheral devices 16 _(a1-an) and a second group of one or moreperipheral devices 16 _(r1-rn). In these embodiments, the automationcontroller 12 communicates directly with the remote controller 14 andthe first group of one or more peripheral devices 16 _(a1-an). However,it does not communicate directly, and perhaps not at all, with thesecond group of one or more peripheral devices 16 _(r1-rn).

In FIG. 2 embodiments, communication and control of the second group ofone or more peripheral devices 16 _(r1-rn) is performed via the remotecontroller 14. In various embodiments, the automation controller 12 willnot associate or monitor some or the entire second group of peripheraldevices 16 _(r1-rn). In other embodiments, the automation controller 12will monitor some or the entire second group of peripheral devices 16_(r1-rn), as the second group provides status information to the remotecontroller 14. In other embodiments, the automation controller 12 willindirectly control some or the entire second group of peripheral devices16 _(r1-rn), via commands sent to the remote controller 14. Theautomation controller 12 may also monitor the second group of peripheraldevices 16 _(r1-rn), via the remote controller 14, which can serve as arepeater or to provide additional information along with the monitoringinformation to the automation controller 12.

The architecture provided in FIG. 2 provides additional flexibility intailoring the system 10 for a specific application. For example, thesecond group of peripheral devices 16 _(r1-rn), may be implemented usinga different communication scheme, which is only implemented on theremote controller 14. For example, in various embodiments, the remotecontroller 14 may be capable of communicating using both IRl and RFfrequencies, whereas the automation controller 12 may only beimplemented using RF frequencies, or different protocols may beimplemented on the remote controller 14 and the automation controller12. In those instances where the communication protocol between theremote controller 14 and the second group of peripheral devices 16_(r1-rn), differs from the communication protocols implemented on theautomation controller 12, then the remote controller 14 may serve totranslate the information being provided from the second group ofperipheral devices 16 _(r1-rn) to the automation controller 12.

FIG. 3 shows embodiments of the present invention, in which the remotecontroller 14 is used to control one or more peripheral devices 16_(1-n), without an automation controller 12 in the system 10. The remotecontroller 14 can be used to implement various functions on theperipheral devices 16 depending upon the functionality imparted to theremote controller 14. For example, the processing power, storagecapability, user interface, input/output capability, etc. can betailored to control various numbers of peripheral devices 16 and impartvarious levels of functionality to the system 10 in the absence of theautomation controller 12.

In various embodiments, the remote controller 14 is configured tocommunicate directly with the peripheral devices 16 using a suitableprotocol, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc., in a first state to send andreceive information regarding the function of the peripheral device 16.The remote controller 14 is further configured to operate in a secondstate in the presence of an associated automation controller 12, wherethe remote controller 14 communicates directly with the automationcontroller 12, instead of the peripheral devices 16. If the automationcontroller 12 becomes unavailable, either because it is removed from thesystem 10, either physically or via software, or is not workingproperly, the remote controller 14 will recognize that the automationcontroller 12 is no longer present, or more generally unassociated withthe remote controller 14, and operate in the first state.

In practice, the system 10 may be in operation without an automationcontroller 12 using the remote controller 14 to control a plurality ofperipheral devices 16. The remote controller 14 recognizes that there isnot an associated automation controller 12, so it operates in the firststate, directly communicating with and controlling the peripheraldevices 16. When the end user of the system 10 introduces an automationcontroller 12 into system 10, the remote controller 14 recognizes thatthe automation controller 12 and operates in a second statecommunicating with the automation controller 12, instead of directlywith the peripheral devices 16. As discussed with respect to FIG. 2, thesystem 10 can be configured so that the remote controller 14 continuesto communicate directly with the second group of peripheral devices 16,while communicating via the automation controller 12 with the firstgroup of peripheral devices 16.

The ability of the remote controller 14 to move between the first andsecond states can be manually and/or automatically implemented. Ahardware switch or software defined key can be used to toggle manuallybetween the first and second states.

In addition, it may be desirable to keep remote controllers 14unassociated with automation controller 12 that are detected. Forexample, in an apartment complex or other space where multiple users arein close proximity, the automation controller 12, as well as otherremote controllers 14 and peripheral devices 16 that are within thesystem 10 operating range may not belong to the end user. In addition,the end user may want to partition a structure to include separatesystem 10, which may or may not report to a single system for oversightand control.

The association of an automation controller 12 that is introduced intoan existing system 10 being controlled by the remote controller 14, inthe absence of an automation controller 12, can be performed in a numberof ways. For example, the automation controller 12 can scan its coveragearea and develop a list of peripheral devices 16 and remote controllers14 that can be associated with the newly introduced automationcontroller 12. Also, the remote controller 14 can transfer systeminformation to the automation controller 12, such as a listing ofcurrently associated peripheral devices 16, current settings, andactivity schedules.

In these embodiments, the automation controller 12 and the remotecontroller 14 will continue to operate in a peer relationship, eventhough the remote controller 14 may not be communicating directly withthe peripheral devices 16. The peer to peer communication would be usedby the automation controller 12 to update the remote controller 14 withthe latest settings and other information for the peripheral devices 16that the remote controller 14 would communicate with directly andcontrol, if the automation controller 12 became unassociated with thesystem 10 during operation.

In various embodiments, where the remote controller 14 may or may not beconfigured to control the system 10 in the absence of the automationcontroller 12, peer to peer communication between the remote controller14 and the automation controller 12 may be implemented to enableadditional system functionality. For example, persistent storage may beincluded in the remote controller 14 and the automation controller 12can be configured to send information concerning the setup and/oroperation of the peripheral devices 16 and the automation controller 12to the remote controller 14 as a data back-up, in the event that theautomation controller 12 experiences an outage where data is lost. Inaddition, the automation controller 12 could be used to change theperipheral devices 16 that will be controlled by the remote controller14, if the automation controller 12 becomes unassociated with the system10.

In the some of the above embodiments and others, the remote controller14 acts as an autonomous device, i.e., without a user inputtinginformation. In these embodiments, it may be desirable to have theremote controller 14 operate in a sleep mode, e.g., with display lightsoff, etc., and/or include a manual control, such as a switch, to switchthe remote controller 14 to a lower power operational state. Thesleep/low power mode will extend the battery life. In some embodiments,a holder, or cradle, can be provided for the remote controller 14 thatcan be used to provide various levels of functionality. For example, theholder may include a power outlet to charge a rechargeable battery. Italso may include a communication link for direct communication with theautomation controller 12, other network devices, or an external network.The communication link could allow for the download of configurationfiles for controlling peripheral devices 16 and secondary devices(described below), software updates, etc.

FIG. 4 depicts embodiments of the remote controller 14, in which theremote controller 14 is used to communicate to the peripheral devices 16via a first signal type, such as Zigbee, and to one or more secondaryperipheral devices 18 via a second signal type, such as proprietaryInfrared (IR) and/or RF signals. The embodiments enable the remotecontroller 14 also to serve as a traditional “universal remote” fortypical secondary peripheral devices 18, such as audio and video analogand digital players and recorders (e.g., CD, DVD, VCR, cassette, etc.),televisions/monitors, computers and peripherals, such as MP3 players,blinds, fans, and lights.

FIG. 5 a shows system 10 embodiments that include connectivity tovarious input, output, and monitoring devices (“input/output devices”)via an external network, such as the Internet, PSTN, etc. Access to thesystem 10 can be enabled from a variety of devices, such as computers,mobile and fixed phone lines, personal digital assistants (PDA), etc.,as well as from third party service provider networks for systemmonitoring and control. For example, a computer can communicate directlywith the automation controller 12 or via one or more networks includingpersonal, local, metro, and wide area, public and private, intranet andinternet networks. Access via the external network provides the end userwith the capability to monitor and configure the system 10 remotely. Forexample, it may be desirable to change the temperature in the housebefore returning home, or to receive a text message letting you knowthat some event, such as a door opening, a smoke or CO detectorsounding, tagged item/mobile device moving across a threshold, etc.

As shown in FIG. 5 b, the automation controller 12 also can be deployedin client-server architecture, in which one or more computers, acting asclients, provide data entry and access to the controller 12. The clientcan also interact with storage devices supporting data storage for thesystem 10 either directly or via the automation controller 12. Aspreviously described, the automation controller 12 functionality can bedistributed among a number of automation controllers 12 with oversightfrom a master controller 12, which may further include client computersfor data entry and access. Additional devices also can be employed toprovide additional functionality or robustness to the system. Forexample, storage devices could be employed to off-load data collected bythe automation controller 12. Access to the storage devices could beachieved via the automation controller 12 and/or directly by anothercomputer, which can provide analysis capability off-line from theautomation controller 12.

In various embodiments in which data is stored in a device external tothe automation controller 12, it may be desirable to enable varioussoftware applications on the client computers to enable analysis andplanning activities to be performed without burdening the automationcontroller 12. For example, client computers can run planning andanalysis software tools that enable the user view detailed andconsolidated usage information. Planning activities, such as evaluatingthe impact of varying operational hours or replacing various electricalsystems can be investigated using historical data from the system 10.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b depict various embodiments of the automationcontroller 12. In many system 10 embodiments, the automation controller12 will provide system oversight, coordination, and control of theperipheral devices 16 and the remote controller 14. Access to theautomation controller 12 can be provided internally by the controllerand/or external to the controller. In various embodiments, theautomation controller 12 may be fully autonomous with data entry andaccess capabilities provided directly on it. In other embodiments, dataentry and access to the automation controller 12 may be completelyexternal.

As shown in FIG. 6 a, the automation controller 12 may include a keypadand/or a visual display to enter and view information. In variousembodiments, a touch screen interface may be included to combine thedata entry and viewing functionality. In other embodiments the dataentry and viewing functionality will be provided outside of theautomation controller 12 via a monitor and/or television screen withdata entry via the remote controller 14 or support a display and keypadsimilar to a stand-alone computer.

The front of the automation controller 12 may also include an IRdetector for those embodiments that support receiving IR signals. Inthose embodiments, the IR transmission capability of the remotecontroller 14 can be employed to control the automation controller 12,instead of using the RF transmission link. Also, the automationcontroller 12 can support the use of a more traditional remote thattransmits only using IR signals.

FIG. 6 b depicts an exemplary back view of the automation controller 12.It will generally include a variety of communication ports andtransmitters and receivers for the various transmission protocols thatare supported. For example, telephone, Ethernet, coax, and/or fiberconnections can be provided. USB, RS-232 and 485 and other access portsand monitor connections. Transmitters and receivers for the variouswireless transmission protocols are also included. For example, a Zigbeeor Z-wave transmitter and receiver can support a first signal type (ST₁)and one or more 802.x transmitters and receivers can support networkingvia a second signal type (ST₂). In various embodiments, the automationcontroller 12 will also include an interface to support power linecommunications with peripheral devices 16 that communicate via powerline protocols, such as X10.

In addition to the input/output and networking connections andassociated hardware and software interfaces, the automation controller12 will generally include one or more storage devices, as well as one ormore processors, depending upon the particular capability beingimplemented on a particular automation controller 12 embodiment. Ingeneral, the automation controller 12 will provide most monitoring,coordination, control, and record keeping functions for the system 10.The desired system size and capabilities will drive the level offunctionality in the embodied in the automation controller 12.

The automation controller 12 will typically connect to external power.The automation controller 12 may also include a battery back-up, in caseof an external power failure, depending upon the level of reliabilitydesired. While the automation controller 12 could be operated on batterypower only, the functionality of the controller 12 generally warrants acontinuously available (excepting failures) power source.

While varying levels of functionality can be embodied in the remotecontroller 14, in many embodiments, the full features and functionalityof the system 10 are typically accessible and controllable via theautomation controller 12. The automation controller 12 will generallyprovide menu-driven access to control the peripheral devices 16. Thecapability to check, change and schedule a change in status and/orsettings for the peripheral devices 16 is generally provided. Theautomation controller 12 generally stores the system inventory andsettings and may also be configured to store that informationexternally, such as in a computer or mass storage device, or at anoff-site network operations center. The back-up of system informationcan be performed manually or automatically.

Discovery and association of automation controllers 12, remotecontrollers 14 and peripheral devices 16 with the automation controller12 and/or remote controller 14 can be a manual, automatic, orsemi-automatic process. In some embodiments, the automation controller12 will scan its operational range to discover various system componentsincluding other automation controllers 12, remote controllers 14 andperipheral devices 16 with which it can be associated. The automationcontroller 12 can update its potential inventory list each time itdetects a new components.

As part of the discovery process, the automation controller 12 canemploy various discovery methods. For example, it can “ping” all thecomponents in its transmission range to send discovery information tothe automation controller 12 to ensure a timely and complete inventoryis established. The automation controller 12 can also “listen” forsignals from components in its reception range, which can be compared toits inventory lists derived from pinging or otherwise. The automationcontroller 12 can be configured to continue discovery via pinging,listening, or otherwise until a consistent inventory list is produced.Alternatively, it can provide an inventory list of components that canbe confirmed via multiple discovery methods, which can be used to defineits operational range. It can also identify components that werediscovered using one method, but not confirmed via another method. Forexample, a component that the automation controller 12 discovers bylistening, but it does not responds to the ping signal sent by theautomation controller 12. In this example, the component may be withinthe reception range of the automation controller 12, but not thetransmission range for one or more reasons, such as shielding, partialcomponent failure, etc.

Association of the peripheral devices 16 and remote controllers 14 withthe automation controller 12 can be performed automatically as part ofthe inventory process. However, it is often times more desirable, eventhough it is more work, to have the association process be separate frominventory to ensure that only desired associations are made.

The association procedure for components with the system 10 can involveinteraction between the component and the controller as part of theprocedure and/or the user can associate the component. The procedure maybe limited to adding a component identifier/address to a system databaseor may be more involved, such as configuring the component to assumeparticular operational states and/or roles in the network following theassociation.

In some instances, it may be desirable to require interaction betweenthe component and the controller to minimize the chances of an improperassociation. For example, the peripheral devices 16 and remotecontrollers 14 may have an associate button, switch, key, etc., thatmust be activated during association. Alternatively, each device mayhave an association code or device identifier, such as a MAC address,that is entered via the automation controller 12 and/or the remotecontroller 14 as part of the association process without requiringcommunication between the controller and the component. The componentwill then respond to any controller that uses the proper address.

In various embodiments, a remote controller 14 can be used to initiateand/or perform the association or commissioning process using line ofsight communications, such IR, in lieu of or combination with non-lineof sight communications, e.g., Zigbee. The use of line of sightcommunication significantly reduces the probability of a peripheraldevice or other component being associated with a wrong network indeployment scenarios where systems have overlapping operational ranges,such as in multi-tenant facilities, and does not require physicalinteraction with the components.

In an exemplary association process, the remote controller 14 isconfigured to provide a line of sight signal, i.e., an IR signal, to theperipheral device 16 placing it in an association mode, where it willbecome associated with the automation controller 12 and/or with theremote controller 14. In some instances, the peripheral device 16 willremain in an association state until an automation controller 12 and/orremote controller 14 detects its presence and completes the associationprocess. The detection of the peripheral device 16 by the automationcontroller 12 can be initiated by the remote controller 14 and/orperipheral device 16. For example, the remote controller 14 can beconfigured to send an association signal to the automation controller12, in addition to the peripheral device 16. In this example, it may bedesirable for the remote controller 14 to send a code/key to theautomation controller 12 and peripheral devices 16 that is used in theassociation process to prevent the inadvertent initiation of theassociation process with another automation controller 12 within therange. If the association process is not initiated on the automationcontroller 12 by the remote controller 14, it may be desirable for theremote controller 14 to provide a code/key to the peripheral device 16for identification in the association process, when it is detected bythe automation controller 12.

In embodiments without a remote controller 14, the automation controller12 can be configured to associate only with peripheral devices 16 and/orother automation controllers 12 for which a physical address, such as aMAC address, or code/key has been entered into the automation controller12. The automation controller 12 can also be configured to associatewith new components when it is in an association mode as discussedabove, as opposed to trying to associate automatically with anycomponent it detects during operation.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to associate a peripheraldevice with an automation controller 12, when the peripheral device isnot present within the communication range of the automation controller12. For example, it may be desirable to associate a peripheral devicewith multiple automation controllers 12 within one or different systems10 that have non-overlapping ranges of operation. One such embodiment ofnon-overlapping ranges is described below with respect to geographicallydiverse systems that share peripheral devices 16. The associationbetween peripheral devices 16 and automation controllers 12, whetherpresent in the range or not, can be performed by either or both devices16 and controllers, using identifiers and signaling prompts, as may beappropriate.

Peripheral devices 16 in the present invention are generally implementedin a function role communicating directly with remote controllers 14and/or automation controllers 12 depending upon the system configurationand responding to their commands to perform a function, which mayinclude one or more steps, process, and/or actions. Common peripheraldevices 16 include electrical wall and device receptacles and jacks,on/off, contact, and dimmer switches, visual (e.g., motion), audio,material (smoke, humidity, CO, radiation, etc.), electromagnetic wave(RF, IR, UV, visible light, etc.), shock, and thermal sensors,thermostats, video equipment (e.g., cameras, monitors), audio equipment(e.g., microphones, speakers), blinds, fans, communication equipmentused to provide services, such as plain old telephone service (POTS),voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video, audio, and data, etc.

The peripheral devices 16 can also be used to obtain data from otherdevices for evaluation, referred to herein as monitoring peripheraldevices 16. For example, a sensor or other peripheral device 16 canconfigured to monitor signals output by a piece of equipment or otherdevice and send the signals along with the notification of the signalingevent. The signals can be error codes or other performance attributes invarious forms, such as visual (flashing lights), audible (beeps), and/orelectrical signals that are detected by the devices 16 and forwarded bythe system 10 to the relevant parties, if desired. For example, lightpattern changes on LEDs (flashing, color, etc.) on computer equipmentcould be converted to an error code for evaluation or the audible signalfrom a smoke detector could be evaluated to distinguish low batteryalerts from actual smoke detection.

Data from monitoring peripheral devices 16 can be used as primary dataor as data to corroborate data received from other peripheral devices 16within the system 10. For example, when a smoke detector is embodied asa peripheral device 16 in the system 10, the system 10 can be configuredsuch that the automation controller 12 receives a smoke detected alarmfrom the smoke detector peripheral device 16 and a corroborating alarmfrom an audible monitor peripheral device 16 that detected the smokedetector audible alarm.

The peripheral devices 16 can operate on external and/or battery powerdepending upon the requirements of a particular device and theaccessibility of external power. For example, electrical receptacles maynot be required to transmit and receive information frequently, so theycould be operated on battery power. However, electrical receptacles areconnected in an external power circuit, so those devices will generallybe operated using external power, because it is available. Similarly,peripheral devices 16 that are communicating with the automationcontroller 12 via a powerline communication protocol will be configuredgenerally to use external power as those devices will be connected bythe external power lines. If the function of the peripheral devices 16is something that should remain operational, even when there is anexternal power outage, then it may be desirable to provide battery poweras the primary or secondary power source to the device.

The peripheral devices 16 can be controlled individually by thecontrollers or in groups to create “scenes” or to place a structure in aparticular operational state, such as set the air and watertemperatures, disabling/enabling the door alarms, turning on/offcomputer equipment and other electrical devices, and unlocking/lockingthe garage and other doors when a business opens/closes or a personleaves/returns to a residence.

In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 7, it is desirable toinclude one or more peripheral devices 16 packaged along with orproximate to the automation controller 12. The close proximity of theperipheral devices 16 to the automation controller 12 allows for adirect wired connection in lieu of, or in addition to, the communicationscheme used with other peripheral devices 16. As such, the closeproximity peripheral devices 16 can provide a low cost means forcontrolling devices, which are in close proximity to the automationcontroller 12. For example, in many cases, the automation controller 12will be placed in close proximity to audio, video, and computerequipment, as well as lighting, which can be controlled via the low costproximate peripheral devices 16.

FIG. 8 a shows peripheral device 16 embodiments, in which a plurality ofperipheral devices 16 form a control group, which share a commoncommunication interface (transmitters, receivers, etc.) to thecontrollers 12 and/or 14. The sharing of the communication interface,and in some instances, some or all of the processing capability,provides for lower cost peripheral devices 16. In various embodiments,each of the individual peripheral devices 16 _(1-n) in the control groupis identified as a separate peripheral device 16. Whereas, in otherembodiments, the entire device 16 is identified as one peripheral device16 with sub-devices 16 _(1-n). The identification of the peripheraldevices 16 as individual devices or sub-devices is generally left to theskilled artisan. When using sub-device identification, instructions canbe given to the device as a whole, which can be left to the deviceitself to implement. For example, peripheral device 16 can be instructedto turn off, which causes the peripheral device 16 to turn offsub-devices 16 _(1-n). In the individual device implementation,instructions to turn off are sent to each of the devices 16 _(1-n) foraction.

The FIG. 8 a embodiment, which is shown as a plug strip, is purely forexemplary purposes, as the common interface/processing architecture canbe implemented for any application in which the devices are inrelatively close proximity or can communicate effectively. For example,track lighting, holiday decorations, etc. can be implemented using thisstructure.

As shown in FIG. 8 b, the peripheral devices 16 also can be configuredto communicate with other secondary devices 18 or systems. For example,the peripheral device 16 can include communication capability with acomputer via USB, Ethernet, serial or parallel port or other connection,which can be wired or wireless. In these embodiments, the peripheraldevice 16 could send a system message to one or more secondary devices,such as a computer, that power was going to be interrupted and for thecomputer to perform a graceful shutdown. It could also send a signalthat initiates the booting, or starting, up of the computer.

In various embodiments, the peripheral device 16 is embodied as a plugstrip including a power cord for plugging into a power source, such as astandard electrical receptacle, and a plurality of electricalreceptacles controlled at least in part by a common processor and usinga common transmitter and receiver to communicate with the automationcontroller 12 via a first signal type, such as Zigbee, Zwave, PLC,802.x, etc., and a computer via a secondary signal type, USB, etc., tosend power up and power down signals to the computer. The commonprocessor could be used to control all functions associated with theplurality of electrical receptacles or additional processors could beused with one or more of the receptacles.

The peripheral device 16 could further include an energy storage device,i.e., battery, which can be configured to retain sufficient energy topower 1) the peripheral device 16 to signal the computer or othersecondary device 18 and 2) the computer or other device for a sufficientperiod to allow a graceful shutdown, in the event of a primary powerfailure to the computer or other secondary device 18. One of ordinaryskill will appreciate that many computer and peripheral equipment typesinclude APIs and other signaling protocols that enable the shutdown,restart, and turn-up of the equipment.

FIG. 9 a shows other embodiments of peripheral devices 16 of the presentinvention. In these embodiments, one or more peripheral devices 16 arelocated outside of the operational range (shown as a dashed line) of theautomation controller 12 and/or the remote controller 14, such asdevices 16 _(2-n) in FIG. 9 a, referred to as “outside devices”. Inthese embodiment, the peripheral device 16 ₁ is configured to receiveand transmit information to and from the outside devices 16 _(2-n).

The relationship between the outside devices and the automationcontroller 12 can be implemented in various fashions, such as individualdevices or sub-devices as discussed with respect to FIG. 8 a. Theoutside devices may or may not be visible from an automation controller12 inventory perspective. In various embodiments, the outside devicesare visible to the automation controller 12 and are mapped based ontheir nearest neighbors in a mesh network topology and the outsidedevices and at least one device within the range (“inside device”) areconfigured as repeaters, so that instructions from the automationcontroller 12 can reach the outside devices. In other embodiments, theoutside devices are associated with the inside device and may beconsidered as attributes of the inside device. In this scenario, acontroller, 12 or 14, sends a command to the inside device associatedwith the outside devices, which is then implemented on the outsidedevices at the appropriate time by the inside device.

The means in which the information is provided to and from the outsidedevices 16 may or may not be the same as the means in which theinformation was provided from the controllers, 12 or 14, to theperipheral device 16 ₁ in the range. For example, if the outside devicesare electrically connected, then externally powered devices using powerline communications between outside devices may be appropriate, whilewireless communications may be used for communications between thecontroller 12 or 14 and the peripheral device 16 ₁. In otherapplications, outside devices may have diverse functions, such asoutside lighting, contact switches on gates and mailboxes, and sensors,it may be more easily implemented using battery powered devices and thesame wireless communications protocol as used in within the range of theautomation controller 12. In still other embodiments, wirelesscommunication can be provided by the automation controller 12 and theinside devices 16, whereas communication and power is provided to theoutside devices via Ethernet.

FIG. 9 b shows another embodiment of the present invention including aperipheral device 16 _(t) that is configured to translate a message fromthe protocol used by the automation controller 12 to the protocol usedby one or more secondary devices 18, which may be inside, shown as (a)in FIG. 9 b, or outside (b) the coverage range of the automationcontroller 12. The translation can be between wireless protocols and/orwireline protocols and implemented in a variety of ways, such as mappingthe signal from one protocol to another or by embedded one protocolsignal within the other protocol signal, similar to a digital wrapper.For example, the peripheral device 16 _(t) could translate a Zigbeeprotocol signal to an RS-485 signal to communicate with components in anHVAC system. The RS-485 link could be implemented as a full duplex, 4wire solution or half-duplex 2 wire solution depending upon conditions,e.g., multiple radio interference conditions, and the amount andfrequency of information being communicated through the link. Inaddition, two translator peripheral devices 16 _(t) could be used to setup a link (c) using a different protocol, while still communicating withother devices using the protocol of the automation controller 12. Inthis implementation, this translator devices 16 _(t) may be used toconvert from wireless to wired protocols (in this example Zigbee andRS-485) to enable the signal to reach an area more easily accessed usinga wired protocol, but where the signal may be sent wirelessly within thearea. In this example, the translator device 16 _(t) may be operated ina mode where the Zigbee message is inserted untouched into an RS-485stream, which is sent to a second translator device 16, where it isreceived. The 485 stream is analyzed and a Zigbee message is recreatedby the second translator device 16 _(t) and sent to the destinationperipheral device 16.

In various embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 4, the remotecontroller 14 could be used as a translator device to control one ormore secondary devices 18. It will be appreciated that if a remotecontroller 14 is employed as a translator, it will have to be positionedproperly to enable it to communicate with the secondary devices 18.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate further that the rangeof an automation controller 12 can also be extended via repeaterperipheral devices 16, which are used to amplify, typically be receivingand retransmitting signals, without altering the signals. Rangeextenders are known in the art and commonly available in 802.11architectures. Of course, the repeater functionality can be embedded inother peripheral devices 16 to eliminate the expense of deployingstand-alone repeater devices.

FIG. 10 a shows embodiments of the system 10 including mobile peripheraldevices 16 ^(m), which can be implemented to provide additionalfunctionality to the system 10. Peripheral devices 16 that are fixed inspace for a particular application can be referred to as stationaryperipheral devices 16 to facilitate description. However, whether aperipheral device 16 is considered stationary or mobile may, in fact,depend upon the specific application and/or system configurationimplemented by the user.

In the present invention, the mobile device 16 ^(m) can be used fordetermining when a subject (person, pet, object, etc) leaves or enters astructure or zone. In these embodiments, a peripheral device 16 can beattached, via bracelet, anklet, collar, or otherwise, to the subject andits transmission can be used to determine when the subject has left thezone, passes through a reception area or proximate to another device,etc. Mobile peripheral devices 16 ^(m) can be applied to home, office,or construction areas for theft protection and safety measures as well.

The system can be configured to geolocate the mobile peripheral devices16 ^(m) operating in an environment with two or more other peripheraldevices 16 ^(m). For example, the received signal strength from variousreceivers can be used to locate the device by determining vectors fortriangulation. This application allows a system to determine, not onlywhen a subject has left a zone, but also, with some accuracy, where thetransmitting device attached to the subject is located within the zone.This level of geo-location could be either constantly updated, ordetermined by querying the receivers in the zone. It will be appreciatedthat the system will determine the general location of the mobile devicewithin the range of the system 10. The precision of the mobile devicelocation will depend upon the desired amount and precision of theinformation received by the controller 12 from various stationaryperipheral devices 16.

The frequency at which the system 10 tracks the mobile peripheraldevices 16 can be configured by the user depending upon a desiredimplementation of the devices. For example, it may be desirable for themobile peripheral devices 16 to transmit a signal, when it is promptedmanually by remote controller 14 and/or automation controller 12. Inthese scenarios, the user may want only want to know the location whenthey are looking for the object, such as a remote controller 14, carkeys, or even a pet. The automation controller 12 can be configured torequest signals from the mobile peripheral devices 16 ^(m) at differentintervals depending upon the location of the mobile peripheral devices16 ^(m) within the system range.

In other instances, the user may want to know as soon as possible, orpractical, that a child or disabled adult has left the range of thesystem 10. In these instances, the frequency and extent of thetransmission must be balanced against the battery life of the device. Invarious embodiments, the mobile peripheral devices 16 will be driven bykinetic energy. An energy storage device, such as a rechargeable batteryor capacitors can be provided to store excess kinetic energy. Thekinetic energy driven device 16 has the benefit in that the energy totransmit signals is being generated by the motion of the object to whichthe mobile device 16 ^(m) is attached, which is precisely when theenergy is needed for transmission. When the object is at rest and nokinetic energy is being generated, the transmission frequency can bemuch less, because the object is stationary and its location ispresumably known.

In still other embodiments, the mobile device 16 ^(m) can lay dormant,i.e., not transmit a signal on its own, unless it is requested by anautomation controller 12 or remote controller 14, or isactivated/triggered by, or activates, another device in the system. Forexample, the mobile device 16 ^(m) could include an electromagnetic wave(e.g., RF, IR, etc.) detector and/or emitter/tag. In the case of adetector, when the device comes within the range of an emitter, whichcan be located proximate the exit of buildings, premises, room, orotherwise, the mobile device 16 ^(m) would be activated by the emittersignal from the emitter and begin transmitting signals to identify itslocation. If the mobile device 16 ^(m) includes an RF emitter, a RFdetector located near a threshold of interest could be used to send asignal to the automation controller 12 that it has detected a mobiledevice emitter, at which time the automation controller 12 can ping themobile device 16 ^(m) to send a tracking, or location, signal and/orother information that can be used by the controller to track the mobiledevice 16 ^(m).

In various embodiments, such as those involving disabled adults andchildren, the mobile device 16 ^(m) will be regularly polled by theautomation controller 12 and will be activated by, or activate, anotherdevice that is used to monitor the movement of the individual nearthresholds of interest, building exits, etc. In this manner, regularupdates will be obtained when a person is within a known area and thefrequency of updates can be accelerated and notifications made, when aperson leaves an area. It will be appreciated that the mobile device 16^(m) can perform a number of functions, such as measuring temperature,shock, pulse, etc. (i.e., health parameters) for individuals, inaddition, to providing a tracking signal.

In application, when the automation controller 12 determines that anobject being tracked with a mobile device 16 ^(m) has left somepredefined area, such as exiting a building, the automation controller12 can be configured to communicate the information to the user by theavailable means, such as email, text message, phone call, audiblesignal, etc. or merely log the time that object left the predefinedrange. The automation controller 12 could take the same or a differentaction when the object wearing the mobile device reenters the predefinedrange. An example of the automation controller 12 merely logginginformation could be logging when object that normally are expected toexit and reenter a range are being tracked, such as vehicles at adealership or personnel at an office during normal business hours.Extending these same examples, the user may want to be notified whenthese objects enter and exit the premise during non-normal businesshours.

Peripheral devices 16 can be deployed in data collection modes, ifsufficient memory is provided for data storage during the collectioninterval, instead of transmitting the data as it is collected. Thedevice 16 would then transmit the data collected over the interval tothe controller or a display. For example, various sensors can bedeployed that log data for periodic review and/or transmission, in lieuof regularly transmitting the data or waiting for a request by acontroller.

A device 16 also may collect data on a fixed interval, but only transmitdata when a threshold has been exceeded, such as high/low temperature,shock, gas concentration, humidity, etc., or upon request.Alternatively, the peripheral device 16 can perform some processing ofthe raw data and transmit only the processed data, while perhapsretaining the raw data for a period of time to allow for retrieval ifnecessary. For example, the peripheral devices 16 could process the rawdata and transmit a moving average of the data and any extreme outliersto the data. In this manner, communication traffic in the system 10 isreduced.

As shown in FIG. 10 b, devices 16 that are configured to collect datafor later access also can be deployed in embodiments, in which twosystems 10, or sub-systems of a larger system, are employed havingnon-overlapping ranges including geographically diverse configurations.For example, a device 16 that includes one or more sensors for detectingrelevant conditions can be provided on the inside and/or outside of ashipping container. The data on the device 16 can be read beforeshipment by a system 10 at the point of origin and by a counterpartsystem 10 at the destination to determine the conditions to which thecontents of the shipping container were exposed. It may also be possibleto read the data en route. If the device 16 is provided within a sealedcontainer, the data collected can be used to verify that a container wasnot exposed to conditions, temperature, humidity, shock, etc., thatcould damage the contents and the point in time and duration of theexposure to extreme conditions. The number of devices 16 deployed withina container and the sensors or other instruments included in orassociated with the device 16 will generally depend upon the size of thecontainer, (e.g., letter size package, cargo ship container) and thedesire for redundant data collection, which may depend upon the value ofthe contents of the container. In practice, the carrier can be presentand confirm the origin and destination data and the shipper/user canimplement sufficient security, such that the device 16 is not reset ordata compromised during shipment.

From a tracking perspective, the devices 16 used for shipping can betreated statically or as a mobile device 16 ^(m) by the system 10. Forexample, the shipping devices can be detected before or after the deviceenters a facility to provide data on whether shipments should berejected, inspected, and/or accepted from a carrier. In otherembodiments, each of the geographically diverse systems 10 can beincluded in a broader overall system from a network management level,such that peripheral devices 16 in each of the local systems can beregistered and status maintained in an overall database, such that whenthe peripheral device 16 re-enters the coverage area of one of thesystem 10, it can be detected and the data logged. The overall databasecould be enabled in various configurations by one of ordinary skill. Forexample, the overall database for the plurality of systems, orautomation controllers 12, could be embodied in a multi-level automationcontroller architecture, in which a master controller provides at leastsome control over multiple automation controllers 12 or the overalldatabase may be merely a shared database that is accessible by multiplesystems.

In various embodiments, the system 10 includes a limited purpose remotecontroller (“LPRC”) 22, which can be a wall mounted, free-standing, orhandheld device. The LPRC 22 can be embodied as a configurable on-off ordimmer switch that can be used to control one or more peripheral devices16 directly and/or via the automation controller 12 or the remotecontroller 14. For example, the LPRC 22 can be configured to control onelight or one electrical receptacle in a room similar to a traditionallight switch. Alternatively, the LPRC 22 could be configured to controla group of lights and/or other peripheral devices 16. For example, theLPRC 22 could be mounted as a wall switch that could control all of thelights in a basement, turn on and off all of the components in anentertainment system, etc., even if those lights and components are ondifferent wiring circuits.

FIGS. 11-16 depict various embodiments of the LPRC 22, which forexemplary purposes, is described in terms of on-off, toggle, or dimmerwall switch. Instead of opening and closing a circuit as in atraditional light switch, the LRPC 22 requests the controller to issue acommand to function device to perform a function, such as to turn on oroff one or more switches and/or receptacles. In an embodiment, flippingthe switch (FIG. 11) one direction cause one or more lights controlledby function devices to be turned on and flipping the switch in the otherdirection causes the same lights to turn off. For a button (FIG. 12),the on-off instructions alternate with each push. In other embodiments,the LPRC could be activated using access control or presence technology,such as RFID or by placing a card in slot or reader.

In this manner, a wall switch could be used to control any and/or all ofthe outlets/lights, etc. in a room, rooms, or building, not just thosehardwired to a wall switch during construction. The switch can be viewedas a limited purpose remote control for interfacing with the controllerand/or peripheral devices 16 via a limited interface.

Additional functionality can be provided on the LPRC 22. For example,multiple switches can be packaged similar to traditional circuit controlswitch, A/B type slide switches can be added to the traditional flipswitches to allow the switch to toggle additional functions (FIGS. 3 and4). The multi-function switches can employ common or separateprocessors, transmitters, or receivers depending upon the desired levelof functionality (FIGS. 5 &6). The switch can be powered via battery orexternal power. The function of the switch can be programmed, mostlikely via the controller, to perform the desired function uponactuation of the LPRC.

In various embodiments, the LPRC 22 can be configured to send a genericautomation instruction to an automation controller 12 or a remotecontroller 14. Upon receiving the generic instruction, the controllerwill execute a reconfigurable instruction set controlling a group of oneor more peripheral devices 16. In some embodiments, the same instructionmay be sent whenever the LPRC 22 is actuated. In these embodiments, thecontroller will receive the instruction from the LPRC 22 and execute aninstruction sequence for controlling one or more peripheral devices 16tied to the receipt of the LPRC 22 instruction. For example, the firstsignal received from the LPRC 22 might cause the automation controller12 to turn on one or more lights. The next three signals received fromthe LPRC 22 in this example, might cause the might cause the automationcontroller 12 to turn the lights to 66%, 33% and 0% (off) power,respectively.

In other embodiments, the LPRC 22 will send the actual automationinstructions, either directly or via a controller, that instruct theperipheral devices 16 to perform the automation function. In theseembodiments, the automation controller 12, and perhaps the remotecontroller 14, can be used to program the LPRC 22 to send automationinstructions for a group of one or more peripheral devices 16. In yetother embodiments, the LPRC 22 will send different generic instructionsdepending upon its actuation, such as flipping a switch up and down. Thecontroller could be configured to execute different automation commandsfor each generic instruction received from the LPRC 22.

As described above, the system 12 can be deployed in a vast number ofconfigurations to achieve the functionality and cost objective of theend user. The automated monitor and control aspects of the system 10also enable it to provide higher level functions, such as security andenergy management.

In various embodiments, the automation system will perform integratedenergy management of part or all of a facility. For example, a user in amay establish a multi-level energy management structure. At a firstlevel, the system administrator establishes administrator settings forday and time of day settings for the HVAC system, hot water heater, etc.Typically, this will involve setting a first temperature range for hoursof operation and a second temperature range non-operational hours.Various settings for lighting in the facility may also be established.

A second level of control can be implemented by monitoring usage at thecircuit level for an area, as well as for confirming the integrity ofoverall and individual usage data. Circuit monitoring also provide theuser with data for planning peripheral device roll out, as well as forproviding more granular operational hour control.

A third level of control may be implemented at the work space and commonarea level. For example, the temperature of a work space may becontrolled depending upon whether or not a person is present at thefacility or whether a meeting is scheduled or people are present in awork space, such as a conference room. Also, the hallways and othercommon areas may be controlled to a different temperature and/orlighting intensity. Circuit level control also can be used in some justin time power deployments, when the first and last person enters a workarea and for spaces and/or jobs that are not suitable for control at theindividual work space level.

The concept of controlling the temperature and lighting depending uponthe presence of a person at the home or work place can be extended moregenerally to “just in time” energy management. In various embodiments,the automation controller 12 provides access control and/or monitoringor interacts with an access control/monitor system and part of aperson's work space or a residence is not supplied electricity unlessthe person is present. Upon detection of a person entering a facility,the automation controller 12 would turn on the supply of power to aperson's work space and adjust the temperature of the work spaceaccordingly. In various embodiments, the automation controller 12 couldbegin powering up computer equipment and peripherals, so the equipmentis ready to use when a person reaches their work space. When a personleaves a work space, the automation can direct the return of the workspace to non-operational or out-of-the-work-space operational setpoints. An analogous procedure can be implemented for a residence.

At another level, the automation controller 12 can coordinate thedifferent energy management activities within a facility and/or workspace. For example, a work space environment will be defined at least inpart by the temperature and lighting intensity. The automationcontroller 12 can be configured to balance the solar impact, i.e., lightand heat provided by sunlight or natural light, within an area with thelight and heating/cooling provided by the building systems to minimizethe energy cost.

In this case, the automation controller 12 could control variousperipheral devices 16, including lights, HVAC vents, window blinds, etc.in a coordinated manner to reduce energy consumption. For example, thetemperature and light intensity within a work space/area is defined inthe controller 12. During the course of the day, the blinds would beopen to varying degrees. When it is night, the controller 12 can closeall of the blinds for privacy and to increase its effectiveness as athermal barrier. During the day time, but not during operational hours,the controller 12 can leave the blinds closed, if desired, or open theblinds an appropriate amount to balance the solar impact with thetemperature and lighting demands of the space. During non-operationaldaylight hours or when the work space is unoccupied, the control ofnatural light does not have to consider glare from natural light whendetermining the amount of natural light to allow in the space or thedirect impingement of sun light on a person in the space. Whereas, whena person is present in the work space, solar impact issues typicallyhave to be considered.

The specific types and number of peripheral devices 16 used tocoordinate the light and temperature control provided by thefacility/building system with the solar impact, sun light and thermalenergy, can be determined by the skill artisan. For example, one or morelight controllers and temperature controllers for the building systemscan be deployed in the area along with blind controllers, external andinternal temperature and light sensors, motion detectors, etc. Theautomation controller 12 can be configured to maintain administratorsettings for light intensity and temperature in the area by operatingthe blind controller to allow sun light and thermal energy to enter thearea and adjusting the light and temperature controllers to control theamount of lighting and energy provided by the building systemsaccordingly. The operation of the devices 16 can be configured invarious ways, but a default configuration may be to minimize lightingand HVAC costs for the area, while operating in conformance with thearea settings.

The automation controller 12 also could interact with an area controllerthat could be coordinating the peripheral devices 16 within an area. Forexample, the area controller could include or be associated with varioussensors, such as temperature, light intensity, and motion, in the area,which provide local information used to control the area environment.The area controller could be used merely to provide a single point ofcontact for a given area to the automation controller 12 or could beconfigured to control various actions of the peripheral devices 16 inthe area. In various embodiments, the area controller can be used toturn power on and off to an area, which can be triggered manually,flipping a switch, inserting a card, etc. or upon detection of a person,via RFID or otherwise, or condition, similar to an LPRC as discussedabove.

For energy management, the system 10 generally will be implemented by anadministrator that configures the automation controller 12 and addperipheral devices 16 to the system. The administrator will generallyestablish various settings (“administrator settings”) for theperformance of functions relating to energy consumption for theperipheral devices 16 based on the day, time of day, the presence of atleast one person within an area in the facility, environmentalconditions outside the facility and solar impact within the area.

The administrator settings can include set points, limits, and ranges,and provide for user input consistent with the administrator settings.In various embodiments, the automation controller 12 can be configuredto determine the financial impact of allowing user variations to theadministrator settings. The information can be used to modify theadministrator settings and suggest alternative user settings.

The system can be configured to adapt to the behavior of personnel withthe facility, which can modify administrator settings or merely providethe data to the administrator for information or action. For example,the system can monitor the presence of personnel in the area and adaptthe set point times for transitioning from a person present in the areasettings to not present in the area settings.

The transition set point times can be different for different energyconsuming devices in the area. For example, various equipment lights anddisplays can be dimmed or turned off almost immediately when a personleaves the area, while it is often not desirable to turn off orhibernate a computer immediately when a person leaves the area. Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, which do not locally hostmessaging or other services, can be turned off when a person is notpresent in the area and/or facility. Also, displays can be turned offwhen not in use and turned on when the server forwards a call to thephone or the phone is prompted by the user.

Other devices that employ Power over Ethernet (“PoE”) can also be turnedon and off via the system 10, as well as part or all of the local areanetwork (“LAN”), when there are no users on the LAN. In variousembodiments, the devices 16 can be configured to transmit a wake up, orstart up, signal back to the LAN equipment, i.e., servers, switches,etc., to power up a portion of the LAN for use. In various embodiments,the devices 16 can be implemented to communicate with secondary devices,such as those embodied in and described relative to FIG. 8 a&b, and withthe LAN server. In these embodiments, the device 16 can communicatestart up and/or shutdown signals to both the LAN equipment and thecomputer equipment. An example of these embodiments a is a plugstrip/surge protector that is connected via Ethernet cables to acomputer and the LAN. In the case of a start-up, upon notification thata user of the computer is present in the facility or otherwise, thedevice 16 will send start-up signals to both the computer and the LAN.The device 16 will also enable the supply of power to the powerreceptacles in the plug strip allow the computer and other electricaldevices to power up. Similarly, when there is to be a shut down, becausethe user is no longer present, there is a power interruption, orotherwise, the device 16 would send shut down signals to the computerand the LAN.

Various access control technologies, such as RFID, IR, etc. can be usedto track the movement of personnel and assets within a facility, inaddition to access to the facility. Access tracking within the facilitycan be used to trigger the transition from a person being present in anarea to not present, and vice versa. For example, the access controlsystem can detect when a person moves between the different parts of afacility, such as laboratory, manufacturing, administrative, etc., andtransition the person's work area to present or not present state.

The extent of deployment of the system 10 will determine the level ofdetail of the information provided to the user and available for controlof the information. In various embodiments, the system 10 will includeat least one peripheral device 16, such as a current, power, and/orvoltage monitor, for monitoring the overall energy consumed within amanaged area as a function of time. The various peripheral devices 16deployed within the managed area will provide more specific electricalusage data. In a typical scenario where the peripheral devices 16 arenot monitoring all electrical consumption points, the system 10 can beconfigured to provide overall, circuit, monitored, and unmonitored usagestatistics that will allow a user to determine the cost effectiveness ofadditional monitoring in the managed area.

The system 10 can be configured in many different ways depending uponthe extent of the deployment within a facility and the objectives. Thesystem 10 can provide detailed reporting and analysis of energy usageand the operation of the various monitored equipment. The operationalinformation can be used in combination with electricity rates from theutility to align the usage of electricity with the cost of electricity.For example, the controller 12 can implement rules to allow someactivities only at night during hours of lower cost electricity. Also,the user can analyze the impact of replacing equipment with newequipment, installing solar or other power generation capabilities onsite, or employing other sources of energy during various times of theday.

The system 10 can also be configured to participate in demand-responseprograms in cooperation with utilities and/or energy brokers, in whichduring times of peak demand, the operational set points of one or moreenergy consuming devices, typically the air conditioning unit, is variedto reduce power consumption during period of high demand. Using thesystem 10 of the present invention, the demand-response program can beimplemented at a more specific level to provide additional savings andimproved comfort. For example, instead of the utility or energy brokercycling the air conditioning units for a facility, the automationcontroller 12 could increase the temperature set point for various partsof the building that are less sensitive to temperature change or have alocal, non-utility power capability, such as batteries, solar, etc.,which could pick up the load. The controller 12 can also delay certainprocesses from occurring until the demand-response condition has passed.

In various embodiments, the actual energy consuming devices that areoperated to consume less energy can be tailored to the amount of energyreduction being requested by demand-response client, i.e., utility orenergy broker. For example, the automation controller 12 may determinethat the requested energy consumption reduction requested by the clientcould be achieved by raising the temperature in various parts of thefacility, such as rooms not currently occupied, by a few degrees anddimming the lighting in the hallways, rather than cycling the airconditioning for the entire facility.

In application, the administrator of the system can assigned variousperipheral devices 16 associated with energy consuming devices to beturned off or operated at lower power settings as a function of therequested power reduction. The administrator can also establish ahierarchy of devices and the associated energy reduction for eachdevice, such that the system 10 starts at the top of the list andimplements the reduced energy settings until the cumulative reduction ofall the devices achieves the requested reduction.

In various applications, the administrator can establish target energyreduction amounts based on the demand-response system. For example, ademand-response system can be established by the client that providesfor varying levels of incentives, e.g., rebates, credits, points, etc.,corresponding to the extent of the energy reduction made by the user.These types of demand-response system enable the administrator of thesystem 10 to reduce energy consumption according to the establishedhierarchy in order to achieve a target incentive amount established bythe client as a function of the energy reduction.

These and other variations and modifications of the present inventionare possible and contemplated, and it is intended that the foregoingspecification and the following claims cover such modifications andvariations.

1-44. (canceled)
 45. An automation system, comprising: an automationcontroller configured to send and receive information to at least oneperipheral device that performs a function; and, a limited purposeremote controller configured to be actuated and upon each actuation senda generic instruction to the automation controller, where upon receivingthe generic instruction from the limited purpose remote controller, theautomation controller will execute an instruction sequence to controlthe at least one peripheral device.
 46. The system of claim 45, whereinthe limited purpose remote controller is configured as one of a wallmounted, free standing, and handheld device.
 47. The system of claim 45,further comprising an area controller configured to communicate with thelimited purpose remote controller and the automation controller andcoordinate the control of the at least one peripheral device in an area.48. The system of claim 47, wherein the area controller is associatedwith at least one sensor that provides local information used to controlthe area.
 49. The system of claim 47, wherein the area controller isassociated with at least one sensor that provides local information usedto control the area environment including at least one of temperatureand lighting intensity.
 50. An automation system for controllinglighting, comprising: an area controller configured to control at leastone light in an area; and, a limited purpose remote controllerconfigured to be actuated and upon each actuation send the sameinstruction to the area controller, where upon receiving the instructionfrom the limited purpose remote controller, the area controller willexecute an instruction sequence to control the at least one light. 51.The system of claim 50, wherein the area controller is executes theinstruction sequence in which a first actuation of the limited purposeremote controller turns on the at least one light and a last actuationof the limited purpose remote controller turns off the at least onelight off and instructions in the instruction sequence between the firstand last instruction vary the power to the lights.
 52. The system ofclaim 50, further comprising an automation controller configured to sendand receive information to the area controller.
 53. The system of claim52, wherein the area controller is configured to provide a single pointof contact for the automation controller for peripheral devicesincluding the at least one light in the area.
 54. The system of claim50, wherein the area controller is configured to coordinate peripheraldevices including the at least one light in the area.
 55. The system ofclaim 50, wherein the area controller is configured to control variousactions of the peripheral devices including the at least one light inthe area.
 56. The system of claim 50, wherein the limited purpose remotecontroller is configured as one of button switch and a toggle switch.57. The system of claim 50, wherein the area controller is configured tocontrol peripheral devices including a light and a wall outlet uponreceipt of the instruction from the limited purpose remote controller.58. The system of claim 50, wherein the area controller is configured tocontrol a group of lights upon receipt of the instruction from thelimited purpose remote controller.
 59. The system of claim 50, whereinthe area controller is associated with at least one sensor that provideslocal information used to control the area environment.
 60. A method ofcontrolling lighting, comprising: providing a controller configured tocontrol at least one light in an area; providing a limited purposeremote controller configured to be actuated and upon each actuation sendthe same instruction to the controller; configuring the controller toexecute an instruction set upon receipt of the instruction from thelimited purpose remote controller; actuating the limited purpose remotecontroller; and, executing an instruction in the instruction set withthe controller in response to the same instruction from the limitedpurpose remote controller to control the at least one light.
 61. Themethod of claim 60, wherein configuring including configuring thecontroller to execute an instruction set that changes the power of theat least one light each time the controller receives the sameinstruction from the limited purpose controller.
 62. The method of claim60, wherein configuring including configuring the controller to executean instruction set wherein the first instruction turn on the at leastone light and the last instruction turns off the at least one light andvaries the power of the at least one light when it receives the sameinstruction from the limited purpose controller between the first andlast instruction in the instruction set.
 63. The method of claim 60,wherein providing a limited purpose remote controller includes providinga limited purpose remote controller as one of a button switch and atoggle switch configured to be actuated.
 64. The method of claim 60,further comprising associating the area controller with at least onesensor to provide local information for use in controlling the areaenvironment including at least one of temperature and lightingintensity.